The history of a neighborhood vacant lot was undertaken by gifted fifth graders. Investigative skills developed included collecting raw data, categorizing data, and reaching conclusions based on the information. Procedures included observing, listing, looking, sketching, note taking, map making, and interviewing. Findings were published in a book…

A one-day per week pull-out social studies program for gifted fifth graders incorporates theories of John Dewey and Joseph Renzulli (the Enrichment Triad Model) in the study of economics, urbanization, and social organization, as well as participation in community service projects. (CL)

A social studies class for gifted and talented students, grades 4-6, was spiced up by a unit on worldwide maps. A summary of the program is presented. (KC)

Many teachers bring caterpillars into their class for their students to see the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly. This is exciting and educational, but more can be done using Monarchs across the curriculum. This article describes an integrated butterfly unit for students in grades four to six that starts with identifying the Monarch…

Social studies curriculum is modified for gifted intermediate and secondary students by incorporating strategies designed to foster creative thinking. The strategies are an outgrowth of futures and creativity research and include brainstorming, attribute listing, morphological synthesis, reverse historical chronology, webbing, consequence charts,…

Metadiscourse is the author's intrusion into the discourse, either explicitly or nonexplicitly, to direct rather than inform the readers. Nine social studies texts written for students in grades 5-12 and nine for adults no longer in school were evaluated to determine if they contain informational and attitudinal subtypes of metadiscourse. (RM)

This presents several classroom activities that have been adapted from the Expedition Yellowstone program activities for fourth, fifth and sixth graders. Language arts, science, math, and social studies activities are presented. Expedition Yellowstone activities focus on the geology, ecology, animal life, and history of Yellowstone Park. (IAH)

Discusses the use of primary resources in the teaching of middle school social studies. Describes a lesson in which students were given a copy of the Declaration of Independence, written in everyday language, and were asked to discuss and evaluate it. Suggests another activity based on Thomas Jefferson's writings. (SG)

Describes an interdisciplinary instructional approach that links historical content and literature to develop historical literacy in fifth-grade students, fostering understanding and encouraging interpretation of stories told through the voices of the past. (SR)

Investigated the personal values orientation of 119 primary and 118 middle grade teachers from a southwest urban school district. Examined how these findings compared with values these teachers communicated in their instruction. Results indicated that there was little difference between teachers' personal values and the values they perceived to be…

Historical dramas, especially war dramas, on television are usually superficial; they provide a simplistic treatment of war. The challenge to teachers--i.e., how they can deal with romanticized history on television--is discussed. (RM)

This study of 98 sixth graders examined the effectiveness of reading and/or writing instruction in social studies that focused on text organization, main idea statements, and important supporting details. Results indicated that students who received reading instruction generally had better recall of textbook material than students without reading…

By reading the novel "From Anna," students will learn about the challenges and problems facing new Canadians and develop a sensitivity to the situations and challenges faced by students with a physical handicap. Learning activities are presented. (RM)

Describes the framework and 31 model lessons developed by the University of Georgia's Sea Grant Project, the major purpose of which is to make upper elementary and secondary students more aware of coastal and marine affairs. An illustrative lesson is included. (RM)

To show that in their elementary school years, American students read many pages of inconsiderate text, a segment from a sixth grade social studies textbook is analyzed. Criteria used to determine considerateness are structure, coherence, unity, and audience appropriateness. (RM)